Study of the Influence of Hydro Oceanography on the Opening Plan of Estuary Channels at the Ceurape Kuala Bireun District

Abstract

Kuala Ceurape Beach is located in the Jangka District of Bireun Regency, on the Malacca Strait. This beach is renowned for its powerful waves and tides, but it is also susceptible to changes in coastal morphology, which can result in erosion and sedimentation. From 2006 to 2019, the estuary of the Kuala Ceurape coastline experienced sedimentation, leading to its closure. This issue could potentially disrupt the activities of local fishermen who rely on the estuary. To address this problem, the Aceh government proposed a plan to open the estuary channel while optimizing coastal morphology. A numerical modeling study using Delft3d application and spatial analysis study is being conducted to determine the impact of the jetty development plan on the estuary. Two scenarios are being considered: the first involves opening the estuary without building a jetty, while the second involves building a jetty. The numerical modeling considers four cardinal directions and uses input data such as bathymetry, tides, and waves. Spatial analysis is carried out using ArcGIS. Simulation results show that without the jetty building plan, sediment accumulation near the mouth of the estuary leads to its closure and a coastline progress of around ±127.583 m. However, with the jetty building plan, sediment accumulation is relatively smaller at the mouth of the estuary, and shipping is not hindered. Sediments are dominant to the right of the jetty in both scenarios, and there is still some erosion. Nevertheless, the plan to open the estuary channel with the jetty building will benefit local fishermen and increase the river's ability to drain water into the sea.